THE GOVERNOR AT KAWHIA.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXV, Issue 1686, 12 May 1866, Page 2

THE GOVERNOR AT KAWHIA.

The Unglim correspondent of the N. Z. Iltrald, writing on April 24, says :

H.M.S. Eclipse entered Kawhia harbour on Tuesday morning, 17th, having been piloted in by Capt, Fairchild, who from his intimate acquaintance with the harbours on this coast, has been specially engaged for that purpose. His Excellency the Governor, who is accompanied by Dr. Hector, and Mr. Mair, R.M. landed on the north side, at Mrs. Charlton's, and saw several of the natives, The Governor visited Hone te One, who is at present sick with the fever, but who is now rapidly recovering under the skilful treatment of .Dr. Willis, of the Eclipse. His Excellency remained in Kawhia till Saturday morning, when the steamer sailed for Raglan. During the five days he was in Kawhia he had many interviews with the natives, assisted by Mr. John White, L.P.C., who was telegraphed for to meet Sir George Grey at Kawhia. None of the king party, however, put in an appearance; the Princess Sophia was written for and did not come, and Rewi and Matutuere had previously taken their departure inland for Hangitiki, to avoid meeting his Excellency. Te Ua, who is on board the Eclipse, excited great attention, and was identified and recognised as the veritable propagator of the Hau hau fanaticism. The Kev. Mr. Schnackenberg the Wesleyan missionary at Kawhia, had an interview with the Paimarire High Priest, and rated him severely for his bad works, One good thing was obtained from te Ua. and that was an admission that he never prophesied his present downcome, a general belief existing amongst the natives all around Taupo and elsewhere that he had predicted his being taken into bondage and carried round to various parts of the Island; and that ultimately he would be released, returning to his people, who would then make a general rising and carry out the long proclaimed threat of driving the pakehas into the sea. His denial of this was most unwillingly extorted by the Rev. Mr. Schnackenberg in the presence of the natives assembled on the deck of the man-of-war. After the departure of the Governor from Kawhia, Messrs. White, L. P. C, and District Surveyor Todd, had a meeting with the natives regarding the sale of land at Aotea and Kawhia; the negotiations for which have been for some time carried on by the latter gentleman; but which, under the able management of Mr. White, have now assumed a tangible shape. Mr. White, from his intimate knowledge of native character, and the implicit confidence he has already inspired in the minds of the Maoris here, has gained overall the opposing parties, with one exception, and that being a very small claimant, his opposition is of no consequence, though Mr. White hopes to have him on his side shortly. This purchase is one of immense importance to the country, as it secures the command of two harbours, and much valuable land will, through Mr. White's judicious handling, lead to great results, as it is expected that all the land to Mokau will possibly be in the market, Takerei te Eau having stated his determination to sell. We expect soon to see Mr. Fenton's Court sitting in our township. The vice-regal train left yesterday morning for Hamilton, where William Thompson is to meet his Excellency, having been written to for that purpose. The p.s. Prince Alfred arrived here this morning from Port Waikato, and is to sail this afternoon for Wanganui. The mortality amongst the natives here is very large and greatly on the increase in spite of the indefatigable exertions of our medical man, Dr. Harsant, J.P., who spares no pains in attending to the wants of the affleted. William Naylor has been struck down by the prevailing fever, but it is hoped that he may speedily recover under the careful hands of his medical attendant. His death would be a severe loss to this community, and more so to his tribe. The indiscriminate sale of intoxicating liquors to natives is one great cause of this epidemic, as it keeps them in poverty without good food or clothing, destroying their self-res-pect, and increasing their naturally filthy habits.